Choo Mi-ae: "No Interest in Yoon Seok-yeol... But Won't Stand By if History Regresses"

"Prosecutor General Wielding Power Entering Politics Is Ironic"
Regarding 'Presidential Run Rumors', "Considering a New Social System"

Former Minister of Justice Choo Mi-ae is paying respects at the April 3rd Peace Park in Bonggae-dong, Jeju City, on the afternoon of the 17th. / Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung] Former Minister of Justice Chu Mi-ae criticized the recent presidential bid possibility of former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol, who recently stepped down from his position, saying, "He should not run (in the presidential election), but if he insists on running, it is because the opposition party and the media have nurtured him," and added, "It is like the birth of a political prosecutor, similar to a political soldier."

In an interview with KBS Radio's 'Choi Kyung-young's Strongest Current Affairs' on the 18th, former Minister Chu said, "It is ironic that a Prosecutor General who wielded absolute power in a country established by candlelight citizens is now entering politics." She added, "I believe the citizens will be watching with vigilance."

When asked about the voices suggesting that she be nominated as a suitable presidential candidate to oppose former Prosecutor General Yoon, she replied, "I have no interest in former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol," but added, "However, I believe we should not stand by if he causes history to regress."

Earlier, on the afternoon of the 17th, after receiving a plaque of appreciation for contributions to the enactment and revision of the Jeju 4·3 Special Act at the Jeju 4·3 Peace Park, former Minister Chu met with reporters and said regarding the 'presidential candidacy rumors' surrounding her, "I have various thoughts," but added, "If I am useful, I can step forward, but can I just step forward anytime?"

She further stated, "If we understand the tasks required by the times and decide to solve them together, I can step forward if I am useful."

Former Prosecutor General Yoon Seok-yeol is giving a farewell speech as he leaves the Supreme Prosecutors' Office building in Seocho-gu, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 4th after resigning. / Photo by Yonhap News

In response to the host's question about whether this implied she was considering running for president, Minister Chu said, "It does not seem appropriate to discuss my personal matters at a time when by-elections are approaching," but added, "As a politician, I am contemplating a new social system."

She continued, "I think public awareness in our country has changed a lot after the COVID-19 crisis," and pointed out, "In new era issues such as environment, education, real estate, income inequality, and polarization, there will be concerns about whether anyone can avoid being marginalized and whether the society to come will be one where opportunities are given."

She explained, "Someone has to predict the characteristics of such a future society and devise a new social system accordingly. I am trying to do that myself."

Meanwhile, recently, there have been rumors about former Minister Chu's presidential candidacy. It is argued that as former Prosecutor General Yoon emerges as an opposition figure, former Minister Chu could be spotlighted as an alternative.

Yoon Taegon, head of the political analysis office at The Moa, appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' recently and predicted, "The more former Prosecutor General Yoon rises, the more former Minister Chu could come out with the frame of 'Doesn't that person have problems?' and 'I am the one who can catch Yoon Seok-yeol.'"

He added, "(Former Minister Chu) has achieved everything, so there is no challenge left except the next level. Even if she fails, that challenge is all that remains," and analyzed, "In the case of former Minister Chu, she rides on Yoon Seok-yeol. It is said that Yoon Seok-yeol rose because of Chu Mi-ae, but because of Yoon Seok-yeol, the so-called hardline supporters of the ruling party can also attach themselves to Chu Mi-ae."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.